Officials Manual - Wings and Back Judge

A. Scrimmage Kick rules – Post Scrimmage Enforcement

B. Cross-Field Mechanics – How to communicate non-verbally and maintain game flow.

C. “Tweener” Calls – Pass over UMPIRE's head between Wings and in front of BACK JUDGE: “Who makes the call?”

D. Positioning for pass plays, scrimmage kicks and running plays.

II POINTS OF EMPHASIS

A. Communication – With Everyone

B. Forward Progress

C. See the Whole Play, then Rule

D. Dead ball Officiate

E. Goal line

F. Start wide - stay wide

G. Reporting Penalties – 4 W’s - Where, Who, What, When and #.

H. Reporting Penalties to the bench – Tactful, quick, don’t guess

I. Off ball coverage – clean up

J. Sideline control – keep REFEREE informed (start early, don’t hesitate to use sideline warning)

K. Sideline mechanics

III MECHANICS EXCEPTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO THE NFHS MECHANICS BOOK

A. COIN TOSS (EXCEPTION)

1. LINE JUDGE to bring in captain(s) from home team.

2. LINE JUDGE will stop at the 9-yard marks.

3. BACK JUDGE to bring in captain(s) from visiting team.

4. BACK JUDGE will stop at the 9-yard marks.

a. Find captains, introduce yourself, then line captains in right position with speaking captain on the REFEREE’S side.

b. When ready, raise hand above head

c. When REFEREE motions to come out, walk captains out and tell them you will stop at the hash mark, and that they are to go the rest of the way.

5. LM to remain with chain crew during toss.

B. KICK-OFFS (EXCEPTION)

1. LINE JUDGE and BACK JUDGE use reverse fade mechanics on long kick returns.

C. RUNNING PLAYS (ADDITION)

1. LINE JUDGE and LINESMAN to rotate 180 degrees on plays going out of bounds to cover runner.

D. RUNNING PLAYS (EXCEPTION)

1. LINE JUDGE and LINESMAN to play wide and be on the sideline or out of bounds at snap.

E. FORWARD PASS PLAYS (ADDITION)

1. Give only one incomplete pass signal on passes that are obviously incomplete.

F. FIELD GOAL AND TRY (WHEN SNAPPED ON OR INSIDE 5 YARDLINE)(EXCEPTION)

1. LINE JUDGE AND LINES MAN position is on sideline at snap, UMPIRE is under goal post with BACK JUDGE

G. GOAL LINE (EXCEPTION)

1. LINE JUDGE and LINES MAN on snap between the 15-yard line and 5-yard line release downfield and stay ahead of runner to the goal line.

H. REVERSED GOAL LINE PROCEEDURE (ADDITION)

1. If ball is snapped inside the 3-yard line, LINE JUDGE and LM have goal line and will rule on safety.

2. If the ball is snapped between the 3 and 8, the REFEREE and the wing he faces share the goal line responsibility

IV PREGAME – ON FIELD ACTIVITIES

A. LINESMAN

1. When entering the field, one half hour before game time, check on chain crew and review their job duties.

2. Check sideline and make necessary adjustments.

B. LINE JUDGE

1. Review your sidelines and make necessary adjustments.

2. Find the ball boys and go over instructions with them.

3. Secure game balls prior to team leaving field

C. BACK JUDGE

1. Check field lines

2. Check with clock operator and go over all timing situations that might occur. Find out if there will be an extended halftime.

D. ALL

1. All meet in end zone opposite the clock for last minute prep

V KICKOFF

A. LINESMAN

1. Before the kick:

a. Take position on R’s goal line (on initial kick, then move up according to kicker ability) opposite the UMPIRE.

b. Count R players.

c. Signal REFEREE with arm extended straight out

2. After the kick:

a. Kick to your side, pick up runner and follow:

b. When kickoff goes to the opposite inbound line:

1 Move cautiously toward play.

2 Observe action of other players in vicinity of the runner.

3 Serve as clean up behind, to the side of, and around the runner.

c. Maintain a position that enables coverage of your sideline at all times.

d. Mark out-of-bounds spot if kick goes out of bounds in your area:

1 Go to the spot, then throw flag straight up. If the ball is untouched by R inbounds

B. LINE JUDGE

1. Before Kick

a. Be certain coaches, players, substitutes and other individuals are in proper locations (3 coaches only in the box, all others in team box 25 yard line to 25 yard line).

b. Take position on R's kick restraining line - have beanbag in hand

c. Count K players (Do not allow the kick to take place until both teams have 11 players each)

d. Hold arm above head to indicate you are ready, drop once REFEREE blows whistle.

e. Check for encroachment (dead ball penalty)

f. Be alert for first touching of the kick by K, which does not cross R’s free-kick line. Drop beanbag to mark spot of first touching by K.

2. After Kick

a. Mark spot of first touching with beanbag.

b. If ball becomes dead in your area, sound whistle and give time-out signal.

c. After ball has gone downfield, move deliberately in that direction while watching for fouls away from ball. Cover 15 yards down sideline. Maintain a position that enables coverage of your sideline at all times

C. BACK JUDGE

1. Before Kick

a. Take charge of ball

b. Move on field to kicker, hand kicker the ball, point out REFEREE and instruct kicker to wait for REFEREE’S signal before kicking.

c. Be certain coaches, players, substitutes and other individuals are in proper locations (3 coaches only in the box all others in team box 25 yard line to 25 yard line).

d. Take position on K's restraining line - have beanbag in hand

e. Count K players (Do not allow the kick to take place until both teams have 11 players each)

f. Hold arm above head to indicate you are ready, drop once REFEREE blows whistle.

2. After Kick

a. Be alert for first touching by K, mark spot with beanbag.

b. Watch initial blocks by players near R’s free-kick line and action against kicker and holder. Cover to opposite 45-yard line.

c. After ball has gone downfield, move deliberately in that direction while watching for fouls away from ball.

d. Maintain a position that enables coverage of your sideline at all times

D. ALL OFFICIALS

1. Covering official (s) signal clock to start when kick is touched, other than first touching by K.

2. Kick out of bounds between goal lines:

a. Sound whistle.

b. Give a time-out signal and mark spot.

c. Determine if R had touched ball in-bounds.

d. Toss flag straight up if R did not touch the ball.

3. Maintain position to cover sideline at all times.

4. Sound whistle when ball becomes dead in your area and give time-out signal.

5. Free kick following safety:

a. Each official assumes same relative position and has same duties as on kickoff

b. Ball put in play by drop kick, place kick or punt.

VI RUNNING PLAYs

A. LINESMAN AND LINE JUDGE

1. After ball is spotted:

a. Position: Straddle the line of scrimmage. Be no closer than the sideline.

b. Check down-marker number (LINESMAN confirm verbally with Box Person). Signal number of down.

c. Check player in motion away from you and maintain responsibility for him if he reverses direction.

d. Check encroachment of false start.

2. Formation Keys and Priority of Keys (see attached formations at the end of this section)

3. After snap:

a. Areas of responsibility:

1 Read keys according to the formation. If end uncovered, look through to tackle to read run or pass.

2 Be alert for quick plays into line and assist in marking forward progress with downfield foot.

3 On an end run to opposite side, observe blocking behind UMPIRE and clean up behind REFEREE.

4 When ball comes to your side of field:

a Cover sideline and check for crack back block.

b On down-the-line option plays toward you, observe pitchman, loose ball and pitchman as he becomes runner

c Observe late blocks and forearm blows away from runner.

d Responsible for entire sideline. If ball goes out of bounds:

e Signal time-out immediately.

f Hold out-of-bounds spot while another official retrieves ball.

g Sound whistle when ball becomes dead and move deliberately to spot of ball.

h If the ball becomes dead in the side zone, toss to UMPIRE or BACK JUDGE for spotting.

4. When ball goes to opposite side:

a. Move cautiously into general area until certain there will be no reverse or counter.

b. Observe action on linebackers and backside pursuit.

c. Try to mirror opposite official on spots away from you at all times.

B. LINESMAN

1. Instruct down-box operator to move to new spot only when confirmed by REFEREE.

C. LINESMAN AND LINE JUDGE

1. After the ball is spotted:

a. LINESMAN:

1 Count A players

2 Signal REFEREE number of down.

3 Be alert for illegal substitution

4 Watch for false starts

5 Be alert for player in motion away from you and maintain responsibility for him if he reverses direction

b. LINE JUDGE:

1 Count B players signal arm straight out to BACK JUDGE

2 Check Down Box number, signal REFEREE

3 Be alert for illegal substitution

4 Watch for false starts

5 Be alert for player in motion away from you and maintain responsibility for him if he reverses direction

D. BACK JUDGE:

1. After the ball has been spotted:

a. Take a position 18-20 yards beyond the line of scrimmage and always at least as deep as the deepest defender.

b. Take a lateral position considering the lateral spot of the ball, the position of eligible receivers, and the strength of the offensive formation. No wider than upright hash mark to hash mark.

c. Time 25 second count. Be alert for “ready for play” signal.

d. Count B players. Signal to LINE JUDGE when team breaks huddle with arm straight in front of you.

e. Be alert for substitution infractions.

2. After the snap:

a. First steps should always be backwards.

b. Key on the tight end or end on the strong side.

c. On plays up the middle, stay deep until play has ended. Observe actions in advance of the play.

d. On runs to either side, move to keep the runner between you and the wingman while observing actions in advance of the play.

e. Stay far enough away to keep play boxed in. Use inside-out coverage.

f. Cover players who are deeper than the wingmen. Never leave players behind you.

g. Be conscious of the goal line and prepared to cover plays that threaten the goal line.

h. On plays out of bounds (especially in team box areas), move into sideline area, escort players back to field. Maintain order in the bench area.

i. Making eye contact with REFEREE, clean up any plays ending in side zones beyond the line of scrimmage, if necessary.

VII FORWARD PASS PLAYS

A. WINGS

1. Determine strength of formation by number of eligible receivers on a particular side of the formation. If there is no strong side, the strength is declared to the LINE JUDGE side.

2. Stay on the line and observe action 5-7 yards downfield

3. If pass is incomplete in your area:

a. Sound whistle.

b. Give incomplete-pass signal.

c. Retrieve ball and relay to official nearest previous spot.

Man, Zone, Ball

B. BACK JUDGE

1. Before the snap:

a. Count team B players, signal to LINE JUDGE w/arm straight in front of you.

b. Take a position 18-20 yards beyond the line and deeper than the deepest defender.

c. Determine strength of formation and number of eligible receivers. Normal assignment is the tight end. If no strength, it is declared to the LINE JUDGE side.

d. If trips, BACK JUDGE takes two widest receivers (see diagrams in the “Formations and Keys” diagrams following this section).

2. After the snap:

a. Key on primary. Be alert to other receivers who move to the middle or go on deep patterns.

b. When pass is thrown, position yourself to watch action in the area of the pass.

1 Watch for interference by either team.

2 Be ready to rule on catch/no catch in your area.

3. If pass is incomplete:

a. Signal (primary) or wave time out (secondary).

b. Verbalize to players in your area.

c. Scan the field – clean up.

d. Think “new ball.”

e. Check the game clock.

4. If pass is complete:

a. Maintain deep position, favoring the center of the field. Do not let players get behind you.

b. Check area around and in advance of the play.

c. Think about the goal line.

d. Move towards the ball at the end of the play.

5. If pass play moves in your area:

a. Pick up the ball carrier.

b. Watch immediate action around the ball.

c. Be aware of possession/fumble. If there is a fumble, beanbag the spot to let other officials know you have a fumble.

d. Watch ball carrier when being tackled.

e. Think about the spot.

f. Sound whistle when you can verify status of the ball.

g. Signal time out if clearly a “first down” is made.

h. Move to new spot and secure the ball.

i. Check the game clock.

6. If pass is in another area:

a. Watch players in your area moving towards the play.

b. Check area around and in advance of the play.

c. Watch blockers set up and execute legal blocks.

d. Be aware of the end of the play.

e. Verbalize to stop any continuing action, after the play is dead.

f. Echo time out signal if another official signals.

g. Scan the field – clean up.

h. Move to assist with the ball.

i. Check the game clock.

7. If pass is intercepted:

a. Be aware of the goal line.

b. Use beanbag if momentum applies (inside 5-yard line).

c. Stay behind the play.

d. Signal “direction,” then signal time out if play ends in your area.

VIII SCRIMMAGE KICK

A. LINESMAN AND LINE JUDGE

1. After ball is spotted:

a. Position: LINESMAN = Same as for run or pass (don't leave until ball crosses the line) LINE JUDGE = (ball is snapped between K's 20 and R's 40) 5-yards ahead of receiver on sideline.

b. LINESMAN = Check down number and count K players, LINE JUDGE count R players.

2. Ball out-of-bounds in flight:

a. Move farther downfield than where it went out. Kill the clock

b. Walk up field until REFEREE spots you on sideline, mark that spot then point direction.

3. Ball rolls out of bounds:

a. Sound whistle and give time-out signal.

b. Hold spot, continue to observe action, and place ball at spot. LJ – think new ball

4. Kick in bounds

a. LINESMAN - stays until ball crosses line of scrimmage, moves slowly downfield, observe 2 wide outs, reverse mechanics as the runner reaches you

b. LINE JUDGE – After snap, watch Wideout. Observe "gunners", "DON'T WATCH BALL", observe action of signaler if ball is muffed and no fair catch is made when a fair catch signal was given.

c. If there is a foul, have free official cover ball while the official who had foul reports information to REFEREE.

B. BACK JUDGE

1. Before the snap:

a. Count team B players, signal to LJ – arm straight forward

b. Take a position wider than the deepest receiver, 3-4 yards towards the LINESMAN’S side of the field, or behind the deepest receiver, 5-7 yards to the side.

c. (Optional) NOTE: If the ball is snapped from inside R’s 40 yard line, position yourself on the pylon on the LINESMAN’S side of the field and work back toward the field of play.

d. Check on proximity of the goal line.

e. Talk to receiver about the fair catch signal demonstrate it every time

2. After the snap:

a. Watch up field to see if ball is kicked.

b. Be aware of fair catch signal

c. Allow K to catch, touch, muff, or bat a scrimmage kick in flight beyond the neutral zone IF no R player is in position to catch the ball - mark spot of first touching

d. Drop beanbag when kick has ended (PSK), use your hat for any fumbles.

e. Once the ball is kicked, think about where the ball is going Focus on the receiver and tacklers.

f. If ball is short and to either sideline:

1 Allow wings to take the ball.

2 Watch players moving towards the play.

3 Echo time out signal at end of play.

4 Clean up around the ball.

5 Assist with incoming ball.

g. If ball is long and to either sideline:

1 Watch direction of ball and assist with spot.

2 Move to sideline and signal time out when the ball hits out of bounds.

3 Check action in your immediate area.

4 Look to REFEREE to check spot.

5 Adjust spot as needed with aid from REFEREE.

6 Point in direction when you reach the final spot.

7 If ball is kicked into LINE JUDGE’S third of the field:

a Release ball to LINE JUDGE and move to watch action behind the ball.

h. If ball is in the middle of the field:

1 Be ready to rule on whether the ball is touched by either team.

2 Drop beanbag if K is the first to touch the kick.

3 Focus on receiver and watch the ball come in.

4 Drop beanbag where kick has ended

5 Move with the runner who catches kick and advances.

6 Watch action on and near the ball.

7 Stay behind the play.

8 Allow other officials to assume play if receiver breaks the return.

9 Clean up behind the play.

i. If a fair catch signal is given:

1 Assume responsibility for ball until kick ends (unless in LINE JUDGE’S third of the field).

2 Watch for illegal blocks by signaler if in LJ one third.

3 Watch receiver to determine muff/catch.

4 Sound whistle quickly after catch to slow down the kicking team.

5 Drop beanbag for possession.

6 No one can advance the muff.

7 See the ball in player possession before you end the play.

8 Use emphatic signals on close plays.

j. If play ends in your area:

1 Stay with the ball carrier.

2 Watch ball carrier when being tackled.

3 Think about the spot.

4 Sound whistle when play ends.

5 Move to spot.

6 Signal time out.

7 Point direction.

8 Secure ball and place at your foot.

9 Hold position until REFEREE arrives.

10 Verbalize information to REFEREE.

k. When ball goes into the end zone:

1 Sound whistle immediately and signal touchback.

2 Watch players in the area.

l. At the end of all kicking plays:

1 Assist in securing proper ball.

2 Check game clock.

3 HELP OUT YOUR CREWMATES

IX FIELD-GOAL ATTEMPT OR TRY FROM ANY DISTANCE

A. LINESMAN

1. After ball is spotted:

a. Observe neutral zone for infractions.

B. LINE JUDGE AND BACK JUDGE

1. After ball is spotted:

a. Position: Beyond end zone and behind your upright where you feel most comfortable and have best coverage of upright.

2. After snap:

a. LINE JUDGE rules on upright.

b. Be prepared to move if kick is blocked, obviously short, or a fake:

1 Key tight end on your side.

2 If run develops to your vacated side, quickly move along end line to back pylon to rule on sideline.

NOTE: On try for point or field goal snapped inside the 5-yard line, the optional mechanic is to move the UMPIRE under the goal post on the L side. L and LJ remain on the line.

X GOAL-LINE PLAY

A. LINESMAN AND LINE JUDGE

1. Position as scrimmage play.

2. On snap between 5 and 15-yard line, release slowly downfield and stay ahead of runner to goal line.

3. On snap inside 5-yard line, release to goal line and officiate back to ball.

4. There must be eye contact at all times between officials. Be sure you know status of ball.

B. BACK JUDGE

1. When the ball will be snapped inside the 15-yard line, take a position on the end line between the inbounds markers.

2. Count team B players.

3. Assume responsibility for the entire end line.

4. Observe action on tight ends and other inside receivers.

5. Watch for any passes in your area.

6. Use eye contact with the wings to rule on plays near corner pylons.

7. Signal touchdown only if you actually see a touchdown in your area.

8. Do not echo touchdown signal.

9. On touchdowns, secure the ball and set up for the try.

10. On turnovers in your area (after the ball is dead):

a. Sound whistle.

b. Signal Timeout

c. Move to spot.

d. Signal direction

XI PENALTIES

A. After any play ends with a flag:

1. Signal time out.

2. Sound whistle to alert REFEREE.

B. If you had a flag on the play:

1. Signal time out at the end of the play -- look at the clock.

2. Continue to sound whistle (short blasts) until you are sure you have the REFEREE’S attention; wait until spot is covered by other official.

3. Report all information verbally.

4. Provide information on the 4W's: Who, What, Where and When.

5. Be available to provide any additional data to REFEREE if needed.

6. Retrieve your flag (wait until yardage has been marked off to pickup).

7. Make mental note regarding restarting the clock.

8. Help wings with penalty information for bench reporting.

C. If you do not have a flag on the play:

1. Help out to cover spot or flag.

2. Assist with return of flag to calling official.

3. Assist with new spot of the ball.

4. Check the game clock.

5. Assist REFEREE with when clock starts.

6. Assist wings with penalty information for bench.

XII TIME OUTS

A. Head LINESMAN and LINE JUDGE stand between huddle and sideline; verify that no more than 11 players are on the field at one time.

B. Not on line of scrimmage.

C. Notify coach of remaining time outs for both teams.

D. BACK JUDGE.

1. Time the 60-second interval, notify REFEREE with a signal other than using whistle at 45 seconds and again when the 60-second interval expires.

2. Be alert to assist REFEREE if needed.

3. Observe Team B and count players when play is ready to resume.

XIII MEASURING FOR FIRST DOWN USING TRADITIONAL RODS AND CHAIN

A. LINESMAN

1. When a measurement is signaled by the REFEREE:

a. Grasp chain and clip back edge of back-yard line (don’t just grasp clip since clip could detach).

b. Instruct down-box operator to mark front rod spot and keep same down number.

c. Bring chain behind ball and place clipped part of chain at back edge of back-yard line.

d. Hold firmly and call “ready” to UMPIRE to stretch chain tight.

e. Wait for REFEREE’S decision and signal.

f. If not first down:

1 While holding chain, accompany crew to sideline, reset in original position.

2 Have down-box operator move indicator to next down.

g. If new series, set inside edge of rear rod at foremost point of ball after spotted by REFEREE. First down on Down Box.

2. Mark foremost point of ball for down-marker operator on all first downs.

B. LINE JUDGE

1. Position: behind yard line from which measurement will be made. Outside the hash use new ball for position inside the hash marks

2. Align LINESMAN with ball so measurement is accurate.

C. BACK JUDGE

1. Hold ball, opposite side of the press box, facing the direction th at team in possession is going.

XIV FORMATIONS & KEYS

FORMATIONS & KEYS (cont)

WINGS AND BACK JUDGE SECTION

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